SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

SAN MIGUEL FIRE BOARD APPROVES CAL FIRE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

The following details were provided in a press release from the district, which has been plagued by budget shortfalls, contentious public meetings, and labor-management disputes in recent years.

September 27, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- The San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors voted onSeptember 25 to approve a Cooperative Service Agreement with CAL FIRE. The Board voted unanimously to approve  the five and a half-year agreement. Board President Chris Winter said, “This Cooperative Agreement allows the District to proceed with a balanced budget, maintain the current level of service for our residents and provide for the long-term viability of the District.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE VIEWING PARTY IN LA MESA OCT. 3

Local Democratic candidates will also be on hand

September 27, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club will sponsor a 2012 Presidential Debate Watch Party at the La Mesa Community Center on Wednesday, October 3rd, at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The Club has arranged to have a large screen TV to view the faceoff between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney.

AN EVENING WITH ANGELS: WHERE WOUNDED GIRLS GIVE THANKS FOR SKILLS TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

September 27, 2012  (San Diego)– Three adolescent girls, who suffered severe burns from a Halloween accident, car crash, and kitchen incident, will share their stories during a special fundraising dinner at a private residence in the San Diego area on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m.

JULIAN ANNOUNCES FULL MONTH OF "APPLE DAYS" EVENTS

September 27, 2012 (Julian)—Ah, autumn! Fall is in the air—and Julian celebrates the season with a full month of “Apple Days” activities ranging from apple picking to an old-fashioned melodrama (boo the villain and cheer the heroine) and yes, an Oktoberfest. 

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OAK TREES KILLED BY GOLD-SPOTTED OAK BORER IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Property owners, campers urged to take precautions to stem spread of infestation

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –A voracious new pest is gnawing its way through East County.  The gold-spotted oak borer has already killed over 21,500 trees in San Diego’s inland regions.  Infestations have been found on federal, state, private and Native American lands across 1,893 square miles.

“Has anyone driven through Japatul into Julian lately?  We did last weekend and it was a very SAD sight!  Almost all of the Oaks are BARE SKELETONS or half brown and going fast,” Jerry Williams of Deerhorn Valley wrote in an e-mail to ECM. 

PALOMAR STATE PARK’S APPLE FESTIVAL OCT. 21

September 27, 2012 (Palomar) -- Did you know that Palomar Mountain State Park is made up of pioneer homesteads that included magnificent apple orchards still producing delicious apples to this day? On Sunday, October 21 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. you’re invited to join in a celebration of  the Park's apple heritage with fresh apples picked from the park's 100 year old orchards, apple dishes, live music, cider, arts and crafts for kids, prizes and living history volunteers /re-enactors.

Guests are welcome to bring their own homemade apple dish-- and come dressed in 19th century homestead period attire. Admission is free to this second annual celebration.

SHERIFF “CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC” THAT DEPUTIES WOUNDED IN LAKESIDE SHOOTOUT WILL MAKE FULL RECOVERY

SWAT officer from SDPD credited with saving lives of fallen deputies

September 26, 2012 (Lakseide)—San Diego Sheriff’s Department has identified the two deputies who were shot in the line of duty yesterday by a suspected child abuser.  The gun battle began at 12:17 yesterday at  apartment 72 at 12701 Mapleview Street. 

Sgt. Craig Johnson, a 23-year veteran of the  Santee Sheriff’s Station and Detective Ali Perez, an 18-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Child Abuse unit, both suffered gunshot wounds to the torso.  Following surgery at Sharp Memorial Hospital, Sgt. Johnson is in serious condition, while Detective Perez is in critical condition.

PEANUT BUTTER RECALL WIDENS TO INCLUDE OTHER NUT BUTTERS

By Miriam Raftery

September 26, 2012 (California) -- Sunland Inc., which makes the recalled Trader Joe’s Salted Valencia peanut butter, has now broadened its recall to include other nut-based spreads that may be contaminated with Salmonella. These include Target's Archer Farms and Earth Balance, manufactured between May 1 and Sept. 24, 2012. View the full list of products affected in Sunland's press release.  

PEDAL POWER: BIKES, SURREYS AND DEUCE COUPS NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENT AT SANTEE LAKES

September 22, 2012 (Santee) – Santee Lakes announced last week that bicycles are now available for rent.  Wheel Fun of San Diego is partnering with Santee Lakes to offer a rental fleet to visitors and campers. With a variety of options,  guests can have fun cruising as a group in a double surrey or venture off on their own with one of the cruiser bikes.

PUBLIC MEETING INVITATION CUYAMACA RANCHO STATE PARK GENERAL PLAN OCT.3

September 25, 2012 -- California State Parks (CSP) invites you to the first public meeting for the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park General Plan.The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the general public to voice their hopes and concerns about the future of this special park. In addition, CSP staff will introduce the general plan process, as well as summarize natural and cultural data gained through a resource inventory of the park.

SHOCKEY FIRE RESIDENTS RETURN

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom and Nadin Abbott

September 26, 2012 (Boulevard)—Around  five in the afternoon, as the sun was starting to set, the first residents of Boulevard’s Tierra del Sol neighborhood began  to come home. There was anxiety in some faces, as well as relief on others, as they learned what state their properties were in –and whether their homes had survived the devastating 2,850 acre Shockey Fire that destroyed 11 homes and claimed the life of an elderly man.

AMATEUR BBQ COMPETITON: WIN CASH SHOWING OFF YOUR BBQ AND TAILGATING SKILLS OCT. 14 IN SPRING VALLEY

September 23, 2012 (Spring Valley)--Do you know someone close to you that hosts an amazing Charger Tailgate Party or do you have a Grill Master in the family that cooks awesome carne asada at all the family functions? Is that Grill Master you?  
 
Back up your game, prove your skills, bring your personal barbecue and sign up to be an amateur contestant at the Spring Valley Tailgate and BBQ Festival on Sunday, October 14, 2012.  The event is organized by Cali Comfort BBQ Restaurant and Sports Bar. Meat will be provided for you to compete and submit to the judges courtesy of Valley Farm Markets. 

ALPINE FIRE DISTRICT TO HOLD 2ND CERT ACADEMY

September 29, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Fire Protection District is looking for community volunteers who want to be trained as CERT members.  CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team.  CERT members learn how to protect themselves, their family and their community in the event of a major disaster. 

HELIX WATER BOARD CANDIDATE LORI-KERN GREENBERG SHARES HER VIEWS

September 26, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Lori Kern-Greenberg is running for  the Helix Water Board against long-time incumbent Chuck Muse.  In a questionnaire sent by La Mesa Citizens Oversight Group, she answers detailed questions on water rates and accuses board members of "lining their own pockets" while ignoring the needs of ratepayers in the district.

"Water is not a commodity. It is not bought and sold on the stock market. Water is a necesssity and the board has a responsibility to the ratepayers to keep all rates as low as possible," she states, adding that she wants to change the tiered-rate structure so that everyone will pay the same rate. 

FIREFIGHTERS ATTAIN 95% CONTAINMENT ON SHOCKEY FIRE; COUNTY LOCAL ASSISTANCE CENTER OPENS TODAY

September 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The Shockey Fire is now 95% contained.  The fire, which claimed the life of an elderly resident in the Tierra del Sol area of Boulevard, a community founded a century ago for railroad workers. 

After conducting an assessment in the area, Cal Fire has confirmed 11 homes burned and 14 outbuildings, with two additional structures damaged. That’s an improvement over earlier Cal Fire estimates, which had indicated 20 homes and 15 outbuildings were believed lost. In addition, 11 vehicles have been destroyed and two firefighters were injured.

ALPINE VIEJAS WESTERN DAYS PARADE RIDES AGAIN SEPTEMBER 30TH

September 22, 2012 (Alpine) – The annual Alpine Viejas Western Days Parade will be September 30 at 2 p.m. beginning at 2955 Alpine Blvd., Alpine (Albertsons).  The event includes a craft fair and car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The real Wells Fargo Stagecoach will be on display.  A rock-climbing wall and children's bounce house will also be available.  Enjoy live music and family fun at this event coordinated by the Alpine Stagecoach Lions. 

SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY DENIES QUAIL BRUSH POWER PLANT

By Nadin Abbott

September 24, 2012 (San Diego)--The mood was tense as people from multiple walks of life and political views filed into San Diego City Chambers. Among them was Republican Santee Councilman Jack Dale and Democrat David Secor, candidate for U.S. Congress for the 50th district. Both Dale and Secor came to oppose the Quail Brush gas-fired power plant.

So did Massada Disenhouse, activist for the Sierra Club and Martha Sullivan, a former California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) employee, and many others.

READER'S EDITORIAL: SHOCK, CONDOLENCES, AND PRAISE FOR EVENTS AND EFFORTS DURING THE SHOCKEY FIRE

By Ed and Donna Tisdale, Morning Star Ranch, Tierra Del Sol (Boulevard)

September 25, 2012 (Boulevard)-- As long-term residents of the Tierra Del Sol area of Boulevard (not Campo as so many reported), our family is shocked and saddened at the loss of life, homes, treasured possessions and memories, historic Hi Pass, pets, wildlife, ancient oaks, and fragrant old growth chaparral that will take years to recover.

Our condolences and prayers for strength go out to our friends and neighbors who have suffered during the swift and horrific events surrounding and following the Shockey Fire.

SHOCKEY FIRE LOCAL ASSISTANCE CENTER OPENS WEDNESDAY

Survivor Resource Center at Jacumba Library Will Be Open through Saturday

A Local Assistance Center (LAC) for residents who suffered losses in the Shockey Fire will be open starting Wednesday at the Jacumba Library, 44605 Old Highway 80, 91934.

The Assistance Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 26, 27, 28 and 29. It is open to anyone who lost a home, suffered property damage or is otherwise impacted by the Shockey Fire. The site will assist residents with information, basic needs, and referrals to programs and services.

AMERICAN RED CROSS CONTINUES SHELTER OPERATIONS FOR RESIDENTS DISPLACED DUE TO SHOCKEY FIRE



Red Cross will also join partners at County's Local Assistance Center Wednesday

September 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--In response to the Shockey Fire, American Red Cross disaster workers are continuing shelter operations at Mountain Empire High School located at 3305 Buckman Springs Road, Pine Valley, 91962.

The Red Cross will also be joining the County’s Local Assistance Center (LAC) for residents who suffered losses in the fire. The LAC will open beginning Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Jacumba Library located at 44605 Old Highway 80, 91934. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 26, 27, 28 and 29.

CHILD ABUSE ALLEGATIONS LED TO SHOOTOUT WITH DEPUTIES

By Miriam Raftery

September 25, 2012 (Lakeside) – Two Sheriff’s deputies have undergone surgery after they were shot by a man suspected of child abuse, Captain Duncan Fraser said.  The suspect also suffered wounds, though it is unclear whether they were self-inflicted or if he was shot by deputies.

All three were transported to hospitals and details of their condition has not been released.Authorities have not yet identified the deputies or the suspect.However a woman who said she was the suspect’s girlfriend told media that she found pornographic photos of her boyfriend, Dan Witczak, 30, with one of her two young daughters, 6 and 8. 

JULIAN TRIANGLE CLUB PRESENTS 56th OLD TIME MELODRAMA OCT. 5-27

September 20, 2012 (Julian) -- The Julian Triangle Club presents its 56th annual Old Time Melodrama! This year’s play is "B" Mine Forever, or I Get the Mine and You Get the Shaft. 

Lovely Melody Moonstruck, her good friend Prudence Poorhouse, and handsome hero Digger Malone all own gold mines. At least, they are supposed to be gold mines--and Melody needs to strike it rich so she can marry Digger. But so far, the mines have yielded only a small amount of silver.

Then why is the evil villain, Blackie, trying to obtain the mines by hook or crook (mostly crook)? And can Blackie really trust his accomplice, wicked La Verne Laredo?

NEW LOCAL BAKERY GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING

September 25, 2012 (Poway) -- The sign is up and Nutmeg Bakery and Café is officially open for business! Following a successful soft opening, Nutmeg Bakery and Café held their grand opening and ribbon cutting Thursday, September 20, 2012 and the Poway Chamber of Commerce was there to show its support for the new local business in Poway. Members from the Chamber attended the lunchtime ribbon cutting ceremony and congratulated owner, Shirin Soroushian and chef, Drew Hoffos.

VETERANS EMBRACE LIFE AT SUMMER SPORTS CLINIC THIS WEEK IN SAN DIEGO

By Jamie Reno

The Reno Dispatch

September 25, 2012 (San Diego) -- I've been openly critical of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its massive backlog of disability claims, entrenched bureaucracy, and other problems. The VA has a long, long way to go.

But that doesn't mean I don't recognize that there are many people at VA who are dedicated to veterans, and many programs that help veterans survive and thrive.

TEAM COMPETITIVE FLEW ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT PAINT SCHEME

Drivers hoped For Romney / Ryan Victory in Nevada

September 25, 2012  (Las Vegas, Nevada) -- Competitive Metals has been the primary sponsor of Justin Smith (Pro-Lite), Dave Mason Jr. (Pro-buggy) and Geoffrey Cooley (Pro-Buggy) for the entire 2012 Season of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.  But last weekend when the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series rolled into Las Vegas the Team Competitive cars had a different look.  Competitive Metals President Greg Parker of El Cajon opted to utilize his sponsored real estate on the race cars to promote Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney and his running mate Paul Ryan. For race results, see this link.

ACTIVE SHOOTER IN LAKESIDE: 2 DEPUTIES INJURIES

Update 12: 52: confirmed 2 deputies & 1 suspect being transported to area trauma centers. 

September 25, 2012 (Lakeside) – Two deputies have been injured by an active shooter in Lakeside at Ashwood and Mapleview, IPN reported at 12:38 p.m. Cal Trans confirms police activity at Highway 67 and Mapleview.  Scanner traffic indicates officers calling for cover. 

One injury is reported as serious, the other minor. Medics are transporting to Sharp Hospital trauma unit. Avoid the area.

HOW TO GET HELP IN EAST COUNTY

 

September 25, 2012 (San Diego ‘s East County) –  With the fires in the East County all to recent, many emergency providers were called in to action. What about other sorts of emergencies? Who do you call to get help in an emergency? How can you report abuse, find road reports, file a noise complaint, or report a mountain lion sighting in your neighborhood? The Alpine Sheriff’s office  as provided this handy list of phone lines to help in these situations and many others.  Read more for the full list: 

Compliments of the Sheriff’s Alpine Deputies: 

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